Polymorphism of GH Exon 2 (c.100A>G) and GH Exon 4 (c.68A>C) in Sapera Goat

Abstract

Growth hormone gene plays a key role in regulating body growth and in developing mammary gland. Saanen and Etawah Grade (Peranakan Etawah) are widely cultivated in Indonesia to produce milk. Sapera goat is the crossing between Saanen goat and Etawah Grade goat. Sapera goats are used in Indonesia because they are more adaptive to the tropical climate compared to Saanen and more milk yield compared to Etawah Grade. This study aimed to identify on two single nucleotide polymorphisms of the growth hormone gene, namely GH exon 2 (SNP: c.100A>G) and GH exon 4 (SNP: c.68A>C). These two SNPs were identified by the PCR-RFLP method. The GH exon 2 showed three genotypes (AA, AG, and GG). All breeds of dairy goat exhibited the highest AG genotype frequency (0.600-0.100). On the other hand, GH exon 4 was monomorphic. GH exon 2 could be employed as a useful marker to assist selection related to the growth and milk traits in dairy goat breeds. Further analysis is needed to investigate GH exon 4 (SNP: c.68A>C) in a larger sample size.